Universidad de Alcalá de Henares is located in the city of Alcalá de Henares in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, 30km northeast of Madrid. It is a multi-campus university made up on 3 campuses, and if you go on exchange as a Spanish or Translation student then you will be based on the Historical Campus. This is the central university campus and home to the main library, the Spanish Language International Centre (Alcalingua), and a range of other student services. At Alcalá, students live either in halls of residence or within the local community in private rented accommodation (very often shared flats with other students). Alcalá is rich in Spanish culture, and if you go here on exchange then be sure to try almendras garrapiñadas (a sugar-coated almond candy) that is a speciality of Alcalá (together with tapas, of course). 

Who can study here?

The following subject areas have an exchange partnership with this university:

  • Translation/Spanish

Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.

Important information

ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs from September to June. 

COSTS: The cost of living in Madrid will vary depending on the type of accommodation you select and your lifestyle. 

VISA:  If you will be studying in Spain for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a study visa and you be required to provide financial evidence as part of the application. Your host university will provide you with more information about the process. You must allow enough time to complete the application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to Spain without it. 

ACCOMMODATION: The International Exchange Office does not deal directly with housing arrangements. Students live either in halls of residence or within the local community in private rented accommodation (very often in flats shared with other students). 

HEALTH INSURANCE: You will be required to purchase mandatory health insurance for your time at Alcala. More information can be found here.

USEFUL LINKS: